NORTEC Volunteering FAQs

Connecting volunteers with the community

What is volunteering?

Volunteering is the most fundamental act of citizenship in our society. It is offering time, energy and skills of one's own free will.

It is an extension of being a good neighbour, transforming a collection of houses into a community, as people become involved in the improvement of their surroundings and choose to help others.

By caring and contributing to change, volunteers decrease suffering and disparity, while they gain skills, self-esteem, and change their lives. People work to improve the lives of their neighbours and, in return, enhance their own.

What is the difference between volunteer work and unpaid work?

Volunteer service is offered by choice - it is not mandated or coerced. It contributes to the well-being of an individual or the community, and is coordinated by not-for-profit organisations and pays no salary or wages.

Who volunteers?

Volunteers come from all walks of life, representing all ages and demographics. They volunteer for many different reasons and offer vastly different types of skills and services.

Why do people volunteer?

Some have chosen to become involved so they can provide a needed service, solve a problem or advance a worthy cause; others look for personal development. Many volunteer for both altruistic and personal reasons.

People make contacts, learn skills, gain work experience, build self-esteem, improve their health, sometimes finding paying jobs and sometimes turn their lives around through volunteer work.

They don't work for money; they work for less tangible but equally important forms of remuneration such as satisfaction, appreciation and the opportunity to build skills.

How Do I Become a Volunteer?

1. Contact NORTEC Volunteering and make an appointment for an interview with a Referral Officer.
2. Your Referral Officer will help you match your availability, interests and skills with a suitable volunteer position.
3. An appointment with the Agency of your choice will be made.
4. Enjoy your volunteering.

Are volunteers covered by insurance?

All volunteers are covered by insurance from the volunteer organisation. These organisations must provide proof of insurance to NORTEC Volunteering before we will refer to them.

Do I need a police clearance?

For positions that deal with children or the elderly, the volunteer organisation will be required to do a Working with Children/Police Check. This is done at the volunteer organisations cost.